Gas prices across South Dakota see 2.2-cent increase over past week

News Staff - January 29, 2018

UNDATED - Average retail gasoline prices in South Dakota have risen 2.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.44/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 628 gas outlets in South Dakota. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.0 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.57/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in South Dakota during the past week, prices yesterday were 17.7 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 6.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 8.8 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 30.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on January 29 in South Dakota have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.27/g in 2017, $1.76/g in 2016, $1.92/g in 2015, $3.13/g in 2014 and $3.23/g in 2013.

Areas near South Dakota and their current gas price climate: Sioux Falls- $2.53/g, up 4.3 cents per gallon from last week's $2.49/g. North Dakota- $2.61/g, up 7.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.53/g. Nebraska- $2.57/g, up 3.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.54/g.

"With oil maintaining strength, gasoline prices have continued to climb in many places, rising to their highest level since Hurricane Harvey dealt a blow to Texas and a significant portion of U.S. refining capacity," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "This time around, oil prices have been the culprit for gasoline prices rising to their highest level in over 130 days, and with U.S. crude oil inventories plummeting for 10 straight weeks, I see diminishing chances of the traditional winter relief that accompanies the year's coldest months. Without gas prices falling, the current price environment may be the floor for what could become a more expensive year than anticipated, barring any change to OPEC policy that has led to today's climate of lower supply and higher prices."